A Well-Known Machine Will Meet Its End

When most people think Suzuki sportbikes, they automatically think the Hayabusa, but the GSX-R750 isn’t far behind in their mind. That may change in the future. The motorcycle company will have to kill the GSX-R750 and GSX-R600 soon due to stringent emissions standards.

We recently reported the impending doom facing the Hayabusa, and how it will soldier on in the U.S. for a while longer thanks to more relaxed emissions. The Busa will return, though, you can bet your sweet high-speed buns on it. Suzuki has a new one in the works.

The same can’t be said for the GSX-R750 or the GSX-R600. The company seems to have no plans to breathe new life into either model with a redesign.

Two Deaths That Makes Business Sense

The mid-range sportbike market is slowing down fast, according to Cycle World. All motorcycle manufacturers are killing off their 600cc and 750cc sportbikes. A segment of the market that was once one of the most crowded will soon be more or less empty.

With sales sliding for the GSX-R750 and the GSX-R600 paired with the fact that the bikes don’t meet the new emissions standards in most of the world, it’s no wonder Suzuki will say goodbye.

Image from Suzuki

With that noted, buyers in the U.S. will be able to enjoy both these mid-range sportbikes in 2019. Suzuki won’t continue building these bikes forever, but if you were one of the few buyers considering a new 750 or 600 then you have this as an option.

I always liked these two mid-range bikes. They seemed a perfect balance in a sportbike market dominated by high-powered literbikes. It’s a shame to see them go, but I hope this opens up production space for some new, sportbike offerings from Suzuki.